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Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara are ‘huge’ signings for Aston Villa, Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece says, claiming the Villans are now just two signings from a ‘near-perfect’ squad.

The lowdown

Villa paid £27.9million fee to recruit centre-back Carlos from Sevilla, the fourth biggest signing in their history if you go by outlay.

Defensive midfielder Kamara, on the other hand, arrived on a free transfer, having reached the end of his Marseille contract.

The Villans have also sealed three more deals ahead of Steven Gerrard’s first full season, with Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen joining permanently and Ludwing Augustinsson arriving from Sevilla on an initial loan.

The latest

As part of Birmingham Live’s season preview, Preece and his fellow writers were asked whether Villa’s squad ‘is good enough to mount a charge for Europe’ as it stands.

He reckons that Villa can push for a Europa Conference League place after the massive captures of Carlos and Kamara but thinks Gerrard still needs another midfielder and a striker to complete a ‘near-perfect squad’.

“Villa have a squad capable of really pushing for a top-seven or eighth-placed finish,” he said. “The additions of Diego Carlos and Kamara are huge with the pair immediately improving the spine of Villa’s starting XI.

“There’s depth to Villa’s squad now as well given the centre-back options and the emergence of the young guns.

“I believe Steven Gerrard is possibly two signings away from having what would be classed as a near-perfect squad, a midfielder and possibly striker, one who’s a bit different to what they’ve got already.”

The verdict

Villa ultimately finished 14th in last season’s Premier League, so it’s important to consider how much the sides above them have strengthened.

There are some sides who might be regarded as vulnerable. Brighton, for instance, have only spent £17.64million on two new players, and they’ve also lost Yves Bissouma to Tottenham Hotspur.

Villa’s Midlands rivals Leicester, meanwhile, haven’t brought in any new faces yet, and so perhaps their top-half position is in jeopardy.

But on the other hand, West Ham, who finished in that coveted seventh spot last season, have splashed £81.86million on four fresh faces, and so they may be difficult to overhaul.

Perhaps a more sensible target for Gerrard and Villa is to record a first top-half finish since the 2010/11 season, with Europe possibly on the cards the following season.

A big claim has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in James Maddison in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Leicester star is still their number one target as they weigh up whether or not to make another offer for him.

He Tweeted: “Newcastle’s priority remains James Maddison right now. Club considering a higher bid. LCFC still hopeful of getting Maddison to sign an extension. Told he’s intrigued by NUFC link but clubs close to £20m apart in valuation.”

Reporter Jacque Talbot, meanwhile, has explained why the club’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder has entered the public domain, writing:

“Maddison was leaked by the Midlands side cos LCFC wanted their fans to know they’re digging their heels in. Newcastle didn’t want it out there. So I guess think on that. Could back in again. I think two more, names that will improve the side as well.”

Supporters will be delighted

This claim from Jacobs will delight the Toon supporters as the prospect of the Englishman coming to St. James’ Park is an exciting one.

He is a proven Premier League performer who has the quality to make a big impact for Eddie Howe at the top end of the pitch. The midfield magician is a silky performer who uses his quick feet and creativity to spark things into life in the final third.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Maddison racked up 12 goals and eight assists in the top-flight as he started 28 games for the Foxes. He created a whopping 11 ‘big chances’ for his teammates and delivered 1.4 key passes per match as he showcased his ability to unlock defences on a regular basis.

At the age of 25, he is heading into the prime years of his career and has plenty of seasons left ahead of him to reach his peak and fulfil his potential. This means that the Magpies would be signing a proven performer who still has development left to go through, making him an excellent signing in the here and now and for the future.

Therefore, supporters will be delighted by the club’s interest in Maddison and will now be hoping that the Magpies can get a deal over the line for him before the window slams shut at the end of August to bolster Howe’s squad.

AND in other news, NUFC plotting bid for “quality” £44k-p/w sensation, he’d be “the best summer signing”…

Manchester United are considering a move for Watford forward Ismaila Sarr, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Forward search

The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new forward in the final weeks of the window and were looking at Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic before pulling the plug on a proposed transfer.

PSV’s Cody Gakpo is a new target for United officials, with Sky Sports claiming the club are ‘ready to move’ for the Dutchman.

It looks as if Sarr, labelled as a “freak” of a talent with “scary” ability by ex-teammate Ben Foster, is also on the wis-hlist after scoring a remarkable goal from the halfway line on Monday.

The Latest: United interest

90min shared a story on Tuesday shortly after the news broke on interest ending in Arnautovic.

They claimed that United are moving on to new targets, with Sarr a player they are ‘considering’ looking to sign.

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The Verdict: Handy signing?

Providing the price is right, a swoop for Sarr could be a smart piece of business.

He scored against United at Vicarage Road after a David de Gea howler and can play anywhere across the front three. Sarr is primarily a right-winger, though, an area of the pitch where Erik ten Hag is short of senior options.

The Senegal international, who was linked with a move to Liverpool last year, has scored goals wherever he has played on the pitch, so could prove to be a smart addition with his directness and versatility from the flank.

Nottingham Forest will turn their attention to another Premier League star, after completing two huge deals…

 What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Everton have actively made a move to sign Southampton striker Che Adams.

However, they will have to battle it out with Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest, who are all also interested in the £52k-per-week ace.

With the Tricky Trees closing in on deals for both Emmanuel Dennis and Remo Freuler, this could be their final signing to finish bolstering their incredibly deep squad.

Imagine him & Dennis

The signing of the 24-year-old Watford star Dennis – who impressed in his debut season in the Premier League last time out – will certainly excite fans around the City Ground. However, signing Adams – a proven talent in the league over numerous seasons – could be even more important in transforming the Reds’ squad into one capable of survival.

The 26-year-old scored seven and assisted three last year for a Saints side that slumped to 15th, suggesting that he can perform for a team that are at the lower end of the table.

This, combined with ten goals and six assists from the Nigerian, will give Steve Cooper a solid foundation of goals to hopefully prop them up in the league.

Dennis also ranked in the top 5% for aerials won, and with the “relentless” Adams used to playing off another striker and picking up the pieces of knockdowns from the likes of Armando Broja, the two could form a fine partnership with blistering speed and an aerial threat.

The Scottish international has proven that he can score when given the chance, however, his 0.9 key passes per game and six big chances created last term suggest that, alongside a more prolific forward like Dennis, his creative numbers could explode.

His 6.85 average SofaScore rating outlines him as one of the top six performers for an underwhelming Southampton team, and his consistency will be a useful asset for a side who could be battling at the bottom of the table for most of the campaign.

Adams and Dennis, whilst both regarded as fine if unspectacular Premier League strikers, could combine to see both of their numbers increase exponentially. They could bring the best out of one another, and in the process steer Forest well clear of the drop.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a major move behind the scenes this week…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, Spurs have appointed Leonardo Gabbanini as their new chief scout after the 42-year-old left his dual role with Championship side Watford and Serie A outfit Udinese back in May.

It’s another huge decision from sporting director Fabio Paratici, who has already taken steps in his restructuring of the club’s staff by landing Andy Scoulding from Scottish giants Rangers.

Gabbanini is set for an “important role” in helping and developing the scouting network under the guidance of performance director Gretar Steinsson.

Paratici masterclass

After sealing as many as eight new signings this summer and being tasked with changing things behind the scenes, this will be yet another masterclass from the Italian supremo.

Gabbanini’s role at the Hornets increased in 2019 following the departure of Andy Scott and it’s clear that his influence is already being felt as Spurs are set to sign young left wing-back Destiny Udogie from Udinese.

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It remains to be seen if he had any part in the deal specifically but few will know the Italy U21 international better.

But what makes this appointment so good, aside from the fact that the north Londoners did not have someone active in the role already, is the man stepping into the shoes.

“Before moving from the field to the desk, he had already shown undoubted talent scout skills,” claimed Maikol Di Stefano, who worked alongside Gabbanini when he managed Italian lower league team Civitanovese. “The truth is that, in recent years, precisely to improve his scout qualities on the field, he has travelled extensively in Europe, looking for new talents.”

It will also lower the burden on Paratici to ‘do everything’ at Hotspur Way as he is now putting a solid scouting network in place that can identify talent in advance, rather than it being solely down to the former Juventus chief to do so.

As such, this will have a positive knock-on effect for manager Antonio Conte as he’ll be getting top-quality players that can have an impact in his squad now, as well as in the long-term future as seen by signing players like Udogie, Pape Matar Sarr and Bryan Gil, so this will certainly be a great decision from Paratici.

AND in other news, Spurs “interested” in £34m-rated “big talent”, he’s a true heir to £100k-p/w “legend”…

Rangers had to settle for a draw in their Premiership clash this afternoon in a match which saw two red cards and a late equaliser.

The Ibrox side came into the match having won their opening three league games, whereas Hibernian only had four points from a possible nine. A slow start from both teams was no indication of what was to come in a frantic second half, with James Tavernier’s penalty giving the visitors the lead.

Martin Boyle equalised from poor Rangers defending and Tom Lawrence quickly headed Van Bronckhorst’s side back in front before two incidents totally changed the nature of the game.

Firstly, John Lundstram was sent off for a poor lunge on Boyle, who was attempting to start a counterattack. Less than ten minutes later, Alfredo Morelos was also giving his marching orders following a wild swing of his arm into the face of Marijan Cabraja.

Rather inevitably, Hibs equalised in the final few minutes with a nice half-volley from Josh Campbell, who ensured that the points were shared at Easter Road.

Tavernier was Rangers’ brightest spark

The Rangers “legend” was arguably the best player for the Ibrox side, coolly slotting a first-half penalty to give Van Bronckhorst’s men a half-time lead.

His SofaScore rating of 7.3 was the joint-highest in the Rangers team alongside Lawrence and Borna Barisic, while his 87 touches during the game were the most among the visitors’ line-up, showing his urgency to get on the ball and begin attacks from the back.

The Gers captain also made three tackles and three interceptions and succeeded with both his attempted dribbles. He was again the leader that the Light Blues needed, despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser.

The Dutchman will be delighted that his captain has signed a new extension to his contract at the club, as today it was evident that his cool head, especially when his team are under pressure, will be absolutely crucial going forward.

Despite the costly equaliser, Rangers can head into the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie against PSV Eindhoven in a confident mood. If Tavernier can replicate his performance from today in the Netherlands in midweek, the Gers could be sampling group stage football in Europe’s premier club competition.

West Ham United have seen their latest bid to bring Hans Vanaken to the London Stadium this summer rejected.

What’s the talk?

According to a report by the Evening Standard, despite David Moyes having seen both his opening £8m offer for the 29-year-old and his latest €11m (£9.2m) bid rejected by Club Brugge KV, the Hammers manager is nevertheless confident of getting a deal for the attacking midfielder over the line prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Revealing the club’s latest bid for the Belgium international in a post on Twitter, Fabrizio Romano stated his belief that West Ham will have to seriously up their offer for Vanaken should they wish to get a deal over the line, as the Jupiler Pro League side are believed to be holding out of a figure in the region of €20m (£17m) in order to sanction the playmaker’s sale.

However, while the reigning Belgian champions look as if they intend to play hardball in negotiations with the Premier League outfit, it would appear as if Vanaken himself is much more open to a switch to east London, with the 29-year-old stating after Brugge’s 2-1 win over KV Kortrijk last weekend:

“I’ve had seven seasons here, just started my eighth and the respect between me and the club is very high. That has been proven again today. That tifo was fantastic, I actually have no words for it. But it is clear that there is interest – enough has been written about it in the meantime. This is the last chance for me to take a step. I’ve already thought about it a lot and I want to do that.”

Big Lanzini upgrade

Considering just how weak West Ham currently are in attacking midfield – with Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals being Moyes’ only out-and-out options in the position – coupled with how impressive Vanaken has been for Brugge, it is not difficult to understand why the 59-year-old manager is believed to be “crazy about” landing the Belgian sensation in the coming days.

With the Hammers being the only Premier League side yet to score in the league this season, it is evident that the Irons are in need of greater depth in their attacking arsenal – with Lanzini having been particularly underwhelming thus far in 2022/23.

Indeed, over his three league fixtures, the £10.8m-rated attacking midfielder has scored no goals, registered no assists and created no big chances for his teammates, as well as failing to make a single key pass, taking a total of two shots and completing no dribbles.

These returns have seen the £70k-per-week Argentina international average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.47, ranking the 29-year-old as Moyes’ third-worst performer in the top flight of English football so far this season.

In comparison, over Vanaken’s five Jupiler Pro League fixtures in the current campaign, the £14.4m-rated attacking midfielder has highly impressed, scoring one goal and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 2.8 key passes, taking 1.2 shots and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the player who Onur Kaya dubbed “extraordinary” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.24, not only ranking him as Brugge’s fourth-best performer in the league but also as the 30th-best player in the Belgian top flight as a whole.

As such, despite the duo’s limited game time so far this season, it is clear to see that Vanaken has had a much greater impact on his side than Lanzini has at the London Stadium – leading us to believe that the 29-year-old would represent a big upgrade on the Argentine.

Fulham could be set to make a late move for Leeds United winger Daniel James, according to ESPN journalist James Olley.

The Lowdown: Spurs submit offer

The Welshman arrived at Elland Road last summer after being brought in by former Whites manager Marcelo Bielsa but has found it difficult to make a lasting impression under Jesse Marsch and has therefore now been linked with a move away from Yorkshire.

Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur submitted a loan-to-buy offer for the 24-year-old earlier this week, but it seems as though a potential hijack of Antonio Conte’s deal is on, and it comes in the form of the Cottagers.

The Latest: Fulham to make late James move

Taking to Twitter, Olley stated that Fulham are ‘ready to pay’ James’ asking price, but he added that the decision would ultimately come down to the player.

He wrote: “Update on Dan James in ESPN’s Transfer Talk. Leeds want £20m to sell. Spurs so far only shown willingness to take him on loan, with possible option. Fulham ready to pay asking price but player would need convincing. All possibilities (inc staying) open.”

The Verdict: Perfect for Silva

James should be looking for a fresh start if he genuinely seeks more game-time, having been in and out of Marsch’s starting line-up in the early weeks of the season, and with Fulham willing to splash the cash, this could be a move which would suit both parties.

The forward clocked up five assists and four goals for the Whites in the top flight last season (Transfermarkt) and has the versatility to play as a central striker and out wide, having covered for Patrick Bamford when he was out injured.

The former Red Devils starlet could flourish under the guidance of Marco Silva if given the chance and could add a different dimension to the final third, so Fulham should do everything that they can to steal James from under Spurs’ nose in the concluding hours of the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a potentially huge boost ahead of their Champions League meeting with Olympique de Marseille on Wednesday evening.

What’s the latest?

According to the UEFA website, Dimitri Payet is a doubt for the Ligue 1 side’s visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this week, as the 35-year-old forward is still struggling with a calf injury that saw him miss Marseille’s 2-0 victory over AJ Auxerre on Saturday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the weekend’s fixture, the French club’s manager, Igor Tudor, said of the French international’s current condition: “Payet has calf pain. [Samuel] Gigot and Payet will not be available [against Auxerre].”

Conte should be delighted

Considering just how important Payet is within the Marseille side, the news that the attacker could be ruled out of the Tottenham fixture this Wednesday will undoubtedly come as a source of huge delight for Antonio Conte and his side.

Indeed, the £4.5m-rated talent was in sensational form over his 31 Ligue 1 appearances last season, scoring 12 goals, registering ten assists and creating an enormous 18 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.2 shots – 0.8 of which hit the target – making 3.2 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the 35-year-old average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.73, not only ranking him as OM’s best performer in the league but also as the third-best player in the French top flight as a whole – behind only Paris Saint-Germain duo Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi – last time out, playing a key role in his side securing an impressive second place finish.

The £99k-per-week forward also caught the eye over his 11 fixtures in both the Europa League and Europa Conference League in 2021/22, scoring four goals and registering three assists over the two competitions.

As such, should the former West Ham United star indeed be ruled out against Spurs this week, it would most certainly come as excellent news for Conte, as the Frenchman is quite clearly one of Marseille’s most dangerous attacking threats – with his absence only likely to provide Tottenham’s chances of taking all three points from the Champions League clash with a considerable boost.

Wolves winger Adama Traore missed his side’s weekend 3-0 defeat to Manchester City with an adductor injury, reliable journalist Liam Keen has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Wolves beaten with ease

Bruno Lage’s side were soundly beaten by the reigning Premier League champions on Saturday as their disappointing start to the season continues.

Jack Grealish’s goal inside the first minute was an early blow and Nathan Collins’ first-half red card effectively ended any hopes the home side had of getting a result.

One player who has troubled City in the past is Traore, scoring three times against Pep Guardiola’s side during the 2019/20 season, but he was unavailable at the weekend, missing out through injury.

The Latest: Traore injury

Taking to Twitter, Keen confirmed in a two-word response why the Spanish winger did not feature on Saturday.

When asked by a Wolves supporter why the 26-year-old wasn’t playing against Man City, the journalist simply replied: “Adductor injury”.

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The Verdict: Missed off the bench

It seems fairly clear that Lage doesn’t consider Traore indispensable – he wouldn’t have sent him on loan to Barcelona last season or handed him a mere 10 top-flight starts otherwise – but his presence is still missed from the substitutes’ bench.

The 26-year-old has been clocked as one of the fastest players in the league and his combination of pace, power and quick feet can make him a nightmare for opposition players, with Jurgen Klopp describing him as ‘undefendable’ in the past.

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The hope is that Traore is back available soon in order to bolster Wolves’ attacking options, with just three goals in seven league games so far this season and already shorn of forwards Raul Jimenez and Sasa Kalajdzic through injuries of their own.